By William Duncan

Simon Grayson has departed Elland Road after three years in charge and William Duncan takes a look at some of the candidates who could replace him

Leeds United will step up the intensity of their search for a new manager in the next few days after Simon Grayson was dismissed from the post last week.

Grayson was sacked following a string of poor results, culminating in a 4-1 loss to Birmingham City and speculation over who will replace the 42-year-old former Blackpool boss in the Elland Road hotseat has been rife.

William Hill are running a book on who will be appointed as the next permanent Leeds United manager and that market is currently headed by former Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies at Evens (2.00).

Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark is regarded as a longer shot for the post at 8/1 (9.00)while former Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock is also priced up at 8/1 (9.00). Current caretaker manager Neil Redfearn is a 5/1 (6.00) shot.

Despite a strong start with a 3-0 win over Bristol City, it is unclear as to whether Leeds chairman Ken Bates would be willing to give his backing to such an inexperienced candidate as Redfearn.

That said, Redfearn would be one of the cheapest options available for the Yorkshire club, a factor that could play a major role in the next apppointment. The 5/1 (6.00)on him getting the job would certainly shorten were he to preside over more positive results.

Inexperience is not a likely cause for concern for Billy Davies. The 47-year-old oversaw a successful period at Nottingham Forest in the Championship before being sacked, and citing issues at board level as playing a major part. Add to that his spells in charge at Preston and Derby, and he is certain to be one of the front runners. At Evens (2.00) he is the punters' favourite choice at present.

Another experienced candidate is Warnock but it is hard to imagine the fiery manager building a strong working relationship with Bates.

Perhaps, then, the most interesting candidate is Clark, who has presided over a hugely successful period for Huddersfield Town and, incredibly, has lost just two of his 53 league matches in charge of the Yorkshire outfit. He is also understood to be keen to make the step up to the Championship.

Clark’s blossoming reputation might just carry some sway with Bates and makes Clark a value choice at 8/1 with William Hill to become Leeds United’s next permanent manager.

Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter here.